Streamline Your Iowa Cleaning Business from Day One
Cleaning companies in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and across Iowa use MaidProfit to eliminate busywork, fill their schedules, and get paid on time — every time.
Iowa Cleaning Market at a Glance
Data sources: HomeAdvisor 2024, IBISWorld 2024, Industry Data, U.S. Census Bureau 2024, Zillow 2024
Why Iowa’s Cleaning Market Is Quietly Booming
Iowa may not make national headlines, but its cleaning market tells a different story. With 3.2 million residents, 1.3 million households, and a stable economy anchored by agriculture, insurance, and advanced manufacturing, the Hawkeye State offers cleaning entrepreneurs a dependable customer base with low competition.
Iowa’s median household income of $65,600 is above the national average, and its cost of living is among the lowest in the country. That combination means homeowners have disposable income for cleaning services while your business costs — from labor to supplies to office space — stay manageable.
The Des Moines metro, Iowa’s economic engine, has been ranked among the fastest-growing mid-size cities in the Midwest. Rapid suburban expansion in communities like West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Waukee is creating a wave of new homeowners who are prime candidates for recurring cleaning services. Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities add further opportunity across the eastern corridor.
High Homeownership, High Opportunity
Iowa’s homeownership rate of roughly 71% is among the highest in the nation — well above the 66% national average. Homeowners are far more likely to invest in regular cleaning services than renters, giving Iowa cleaning businesses a built-in advantage.
Top Iowa Neighborhoods for Cleaning Businesses
Where the demand is highest and your business can thrive.
Everything you need to scale
Built specifically for cleaning businesses — not generic software adapted for your industry.
What Iowa Cleaners Charge
Iowa’s affordable market keeps rates reasonable, but strong demand in metro areas supports healthy margins.
| Service | Price Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Standard House Cleaning | $85 – $190 | $125 |
| Deep Cleaning | $160 – $360 | $245 |
| Move-Out Cleaning | $190 – $420 | $290 |
| Office Cleaning (per sq ft) | $0.06 – $0.14 | $0.09 |
| Recurring Weekly Service | $75 – $160 | $105 |
Des Moines and Iowa City command the highest rates, driven by the state capital’s corporate presence and the university town’s steady turnover of rental properties. Cedar Rapids and the Quad Cities are mid-range, with smaller communities at the lower end.
Iowa Cleaning Business Requirements
Business Registration
Register your business with the Iowa Secretary of State. LLCs can be filed online for $50. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a fictitious name certificate with their county recorder.
Sales Tax
Iowa has a 6% state sales tax plus optional local taxes up to 1%. Cleaning of tangible personal property is generally taxable, while janitorial and residential cleaning services have specific exemptions — consult the Iowa Department of Revenue for current guidance.
General Liability Insurance
Not legally required but highly recommended. Most Iowa cleaning businesses carry $500K–$1M in general liability coverage, typically costing $300–$650 per year.
No State Cleaning License
Iowa does not require a state-level license to operate a cleaning business. Some cities, including Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, require a local business license or occupational permit.
Workers’ Compensation
Iowa requires workers’ compensation insurance for all employers. There is no minimum employee threshold — even one employee triggers the requirement. Sole proprietors and partners may opt out of coverage for themselves.
Federal EIN
You’ll need an EIN from the IRS if you form an LLC or hire employees. It’s free and available instantly online.
Up and running in minutes
No technical setup required. If you can send an email, you can run MaidProfit.
Simple, predictable pricing
No per-job fees. No surprise charges. Cancel anytime.
- Up to 50 jobs/month
- 1 team member
- Online booking page
- Client management
- Basic invoicing
- Analytics dashboard
- Integrations
- Unlimited jobs
- Up to 10 team members
- Online booking + client portal
- Full CRM
- Automated invoicing & payments
- Analytics dashboard
- QuickBooks + Stripe integrations
- Everything in Growth
- Unlimited team members
- Multi-location support
- Custom reporting
- Priority support + onboarding
- API access
- White-label options
All plans include a 14-day free trial. No credit card required.
Why Iowa Cleaning Businesses Choose MaidProfit
Trusted by cleaning businesses everywhere
Hear from real cleaning business owners.
“Running a cleaning business in Des Moines used to mean juggling texts, sticky notes, and a spreadsheet. MaidProfit replaced all of it. I’ve grown from 30 to 95 recurring clients in under a year.”
“Cedar Rapids has a lot of turnover with move-outs and move-ins. MaidProfit’s one-time job scheduling and quick invoicing let us capitalize on every opportunity without the admin headache.”
“We serve Iowa City and the surrounding area. The automated appointment reminders alone cut our no-show rate in half. Our clients love the professionalism and we love the time savings.”